DPWH Engineer Abelardo Calalo Accused of Bribery
Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan confirmed that Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Batangas 1st District Engineer Abelardo Calalo will be placed under preventive suspension following his arrest for alleged bribery.
Calalo was caught in an entrapment operation in Taal, Batangas, after he allegedly tried to bribe Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Legarda Leviste with ₱3,126,900 in cash. The payment was reportedly meant to stop the congressman from investigating questionable flood-control projects in the district. Police said the operation took place around 5 p.m. in Barangay Poblacion, and that the engineer is now in their custody.
Authorities confirmed that Calalo may face charges of Corruption of Public Officials under the Revised Penal Code, as well as violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Congressman Leviste’s office also announced that a formal case will be filed before the Batangas Provincial Prosecutor on August 26.
In a statement, Leviste stressed that corruption in public works should never be tolerated. He emphasized that government projects must be delivered with better quality at lower costs, and that contractors must be held accountable for fixing any deficiencies without additional expense to taxpayers. Beyond this case, he added, his office will push for broader reforms to address systemic issues within the DPWH.
Senator Panfilo Lacson also commended the young lawmaker for his role in the operation, noting that the attempted bribery allegedly involved kickbacks amounting to as much as ₱360 million from infrastructure projects.
Meanwhile, Secretary Bonoan welcomed Calalo’s arrest and issued a stern warning to all district engineers under the DPWH. He stressed that the department will not tolerate bribery or corruption in any form. Bonoan urged engineers to perform their duties with integrity, transparency, and accountability, warning that anyone caught engaging in illegal activities will face the full consequences of the law.
For now, Calalo remains under police custody as legal proceedings are being prepared.